The Spirit Lake Protective Association, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and members of the Dickinson County Clean Water Alliance invite the public to a short presentation and open house on Tuesday, May 20th from 6 – 8 pm at Mini-Wakan State Park Shelter House regarding the upcoming restoration project on Marble and West Hottes Lakes.
Water quality and habitat in these two lakes has degraded over time providing reduced benefit to fish and wildlife. Marble and West Hottes lakes are extremely important to the health of Big Spirit Lake and the entire Iowa Great Lakes chain. When healthy, they are an important nursery area for fish, provide wildlife habitat, and filter nearly 20% of the water entering Big Spirit Lake.
Survey and design phases of the project are complete, with construction scheduled to begin this summer. This meeting will provide an opportunity to view progress and specifics of the plan and to learn more about shallow lake and wetland management, its benefits for water quality, plants, fish, animals, and public use. The renovation plan includes a drawdown which will stimulate plant growth, eliminate common carp, and compact bottom sediments.
Contact Blaine Strampe, 712-336-0946; John H. Wills, 712-330-9492; or Mike Hawkins, 712-336-1840 for more information.